Friday, November 30, 2007

Danish Head Scarf Debate to start all over

The new minister of immigration in Denmark Birte Rønn Hornbech has stated that she has nothing against women wearing head scarves in public places. This has angered Pia Kjaersgaard, the firebrand leader of the Danish People's Party. She wants a ban on veils in public places. The government does not seem to succumb to her wishes.

But perhaps it will have to in the end. The VK government depends on her for parliamentary votes. The New Alliance leader Naser Khader has gone over to the other side, so the government is left with a very narrow majority of a single vote. Birte Rønn seems to be somewhat nervous when appearing in public; But perhaps this may be put down to her novice status as a minister.